Copper theft halts meals for the needy

"People will suffer because of this," said Frances Carr, director of the Holy Family Community Kitchen and Pantry. "We serve about 5,000 meals a week."

Two large refrigeration compressors, along with copper piping, were stolen over the Memorial Day weekend, Carr said yesterday. The units were unbolted from concrete pads and hauled away.

Food soon spoiled, and the kitchen had to close by Wednesday. Carr said she hopes to reopen on Monday, but she's not certain she can.

The kitchen and pantry are at 57 S. Grubb St. in the Franklinton area, where crime is not uncommon. Still, Carr said, the kitchen never seemed to be targeted before. People respected the mission, she said.

Holy Family provides a free, hot meal to anyone in need between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Advocates say Holy Family's pace probably is matched or exceeded only by Faith Mission, which is open seven days a week at 151 N. 6th St. on the Near East Side and provides meals to both its shelter residents and walk-ins.

Vic Ward, interim executive director at Faith Mission, said their visitors increased some yesterday. The Community Kitchen at 640 S. Ohio Ave. on the South Side also reported serving more meals because of Holy Family's closing.

"We were up 50 or 75 people today, and we expect more tomorrow," said Marilyn Oberting of the Community Kitchen. "We're seeing an awful lot of people with incomes who still need to come here."

Carr said she hated to throw away food when so many are in need.

"It's a great loss," she said. "A great loss."

rprice@dispatch.com

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